Full Breakdown
Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade 2025: New Balloons and Highlights
11/2/2025, 12:09:47 AM
Overview of the Event
The 99th Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade is scheduled for Thursday, November 27, 2025, starting at 8:30 a.m. ET. The event will be broadcast live on NBC and streamed on Peacock. This year’s parade will feature a total of 32 balloons, including four new additions: Mario, Pac-Man, Buzz Lightyear, and Shrek’s Onion Carriage, which showcases Shrek and Fiona’s triplet ogres, Felicia, Fergus, and Farkle.
New Balloon Highlights
The new balloon for "Shrek 5" will be a significant highlight, featuring a record-breaking eight characters in a single arrangement. This includes Shrek, Fiona, Donkey, Gingy, Pinocchio, and the teenage triplets. The balloon was tested during the Balloonfest event on November 1, 2025, at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The testing involved assessing how the balloons perform in real-world wind conditions and training balloon handlers.
In addition to the "Shrek 5" balloon, the parade will celebrate the 40th anniversary of "Super Mario" with a new Mario balloon and the upcoming release of "The Super Mario Galaxy Movie." Buzz Lightyear will also make an appearance, commemorating the 30th anniversary of "Toy Story" alongside the upcoming "Toy Story 5."
Official Statements & Responses
Event organizers have expressed excitement about the new balloon lineup, emphasizing the parade's role in kicking off the holiday season. The inclusion of popular characters from contemporary media reflects the parade's commitment to engaging audiences of all ages.
Criticism & Opposition
While the parade is widely celebrated, some critics argue that the commercialization of Thanksgiving, exemplified by events like the Macy’s Parade, detracts from the holiday's original meaning of gratitude and family togetherness. This perspective highlights a growing concern about the blending of holiday traditions with consumerism.
What to Expect
The parade will also feature 23 floats, 11 marching bands, and over 8,000 participants. Among the floats are new entries from brands like LEGO and Lindor truffles. The event promises to be a vibrant celebration, showcasing a mix of entertainment and community spirit.
Conclusion
The 2025 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade is set to be a memorable event, with new balloons and a rich lineup of performances. As families gather to celebrate the holiday, the parade will serve as a focal point for the festivities, blending tradition with modern entertainment.
